May 2008 Newsletter

Dear Parents,

Can you believe we are quickly coming to the end of the year. There is much for which to be thankful.
We are thankful for the many volunteers who allowed us to do so many things we would not be able to do – Odyssey of the Mind, Literary Club, all the sports teams, Finance park, Enterprise Village. We appreciate the volunteers who came weekly to help during the day – classroom assistants, lunch/playground helpers, and art helpers. Of course, we had many home helpers (behind the scenes) doing ‘home jobs’ to help the teachers.
There were those who were faithful to picking up newspapers each week as well as those who cut and sent out the Boxtops and Campbell labels.
And then we have those who supported the Auction, the Jog-a-thon, the Entertainment books and finally the Golf Tournament. Without these fundraisers and the people behind them, we could not have all the materials that make Holy Family the best school in the area!!! These fundraisers help not only with the operating budget, but with technology, the upkeep of the playground, as well as supplying new books for the major subject areas and many more items.
Any volunteer service is very important to us. We are grateful!!!!

This year families were offered a private side of the website giving families the opportunities to review their child’s grades, have the school directory on line, as well as keep track of their lunch account, volunteer services, and special announcements, making your and our life easier and more accessible.

Next year, with the help of Jim Fitzgerald, we will even go more paperless…and save some trees!! All those forms required at the beginning of the year, will be online, so get ready!!

Remember, each of you has the ability to add, change, and delete what information you want to include in the school directory. You can do this at any time. If you don’t take care of this yourself, by default all information will be listed in the school directory on the private side.

We will continue to use the Honeywell Alert and private side of the website during the summer. We will update the calendar of Events during the summer so you need to keep going into the website. For those who have been diligent with respect to knowing what was going on and responding accordingly, thank you!! A concern that I have is that some families have not been reading newsletters or responding to alerts. Just sending your child to school is not enough. Responsibility needs to be taken by you.

We are into the age of technology, so we need to get ‘on board’ and be responsible to use what methods of communication are being offered. Rather than fill your Friday folders, there will be times when we will scan a flyer and put it in a special section of the website. We are also working to put the School Handbook onto the website. Again, you will be responsible for reading it; you will also have an opportunity to print it also.

Blessed and safe summer…and keep in touch through the website

In Mary’s Immaculate Heart, I am,

Sister Flo J

Since this could be the last newsletter for the year, it is ‘chuck full’ of important information – please read it all carefully and respond where you need to.

CONGRATULATIONS TO:
…Drop Saver Winners --.Ciara McGary (gr.1), Francesca Ycaza (gr. 2) and Mariana Ocano (gr. 3)
…Andy Shafer – who performed in a Spring Concert and received a trophy for his playing of the piano;
…Drew Harding and Ryan Rudderham (class of 2007) who were awarded Altar Server of the Year by the Knights of Columbus
…all those who participated in the Talent Show; we have lots of talent in this school!!

THANK YOU TO:
…the Student Leadership Board; through your generous donation of $520 will be sent to the The Smile Train. Last month they raised $570 for Hats on for Hope (Cancer Society);
…Andrew Bearce; we have a future entrepreneur, who had a yard sale and raised $20 to give to the Smile Train and put $10 into his Sunday stewardship envelope;
…Kendall Wood, who for her First Communion service project raise $100 and collected over 200 children’s books for CASA;
…Ciara McGary, for donating her hair to “Locks of Love”;

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS:
…Kenneth Rickey, maternal grandfather of Ciara and John McGary;
…16 year old Shannon Gilmore, who is continuing her recovery;
…The Hosack family; Mallie Jo and Jack’s great grandmother, Marge Nash, died recently;
…Father Gibbons (St. Paul’s) and Father Kovanis who are recovering from major surgery;
…John, Mikey, and Andy’s Grandpa, Joe Shea, who has been sick;
…Brian Davenport, the cousin of Jayde Traver (ECC)
…the Roberts family who lost a family member suddenly.

MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE NEXT SCHOOL YEAR MASSES:
As we prepare for the School Liturgies for this next school year, I always give the opportunity for the staff to select the Mass intentions. There are a few Thursday Liturgies that remain opened. If you are interested in having a Mass said for a particular person or persons, you are invited to come in and sign up for this Mass. There is a recommended $10 stipend fee.

FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS:
The May calendar (calendar of events) is on the web site. It is important that you review it. Before you know it, it will be the end of the year. You are reminded that all financial obligations need to be completed before Friday, May 23.
‘All financial obligations’, means: lunch account, extended day, library fees, ABC Service hours. Since tuition is done on a monthly basis, this payment might not be completed until the end of the month. This is OK, but all other payments must be taken care of before the designated dates.

MIGHT WANT TO DO SAFE ENVIRONMENT and GET YOUR FINGERPRINTING LEVEL 2 DONE DURING THE SUMMER:
For those who have not done a Safe Environment Workshop, there is a new listing through November. You might want to consider attending one of these workshops that are already set up.

There might be more sessions set up during the early months of school, but it would very beneficial to have this already done when school begins so you can start right in.

Information regarding Fingerprinting is on our website. You need to make an appointment, fill out the necessary form to bring to the school office with your check.

LET’S HAVE A MULCH PARTY -- WE NEED LOTS OF HELP:
This is a major project that takes lots of people – the more the merrier!! Many hands make less work! Now, you are dying to know what it is! LET’S MOVE THE MULCH!! We are bringing in a truckload of mulch so the playground is not only set for next year, but will be ready for summer camp. We have the back ho to move the mulch, but we need you to level it out. So, put on your hat, coat your face and arms with suntan lotion, bring those rakes, shovels, and your muscles – MAY 17 BEGINNING AT 8:30AM.

HOME AND SCHOOL MEETING:
It was great! With the help of the teachers and our school lunch caterers, Rainbow Catering, those who attended the ‘Thank You Party’ had a wonderful treat. Those who came for the meeting still had an opportunity to enjoy a little bit of the good food! Shelia Reilly gave an excellent report of what the Home and School has done during this school year and what the plans are for the future.
Thank you to the 74 families who attended all three meetings and were eligible for the two $250 drawings for tuition reduction. The winners were Mr. and Mrs. Peter Weyant and Mr. and Mrs. Scotto-DiPerto

LUNCH SCHEDULE:
As we come closer to the end of the year, we need to stop debiting accounts and go into a “cash” mode because we cannot carry money over into next year’s lunch accounts. Therefore, this is the schedule:
As of May 23, only those who still have money in their account will be able to use their lunch cards. Once the money is depleted, student must then use “cash”.
Those who, as of May 23, are in the negative, lunch cards will be removed and cannot be used for lunch; balance MUST be “paid up” before purchasing of any lunch with “cash”. It is suggested you bring your lunch until debts are paid.

FORMS – FORMS -- FORMS: (link to Forms Page)
All the forms for PE bags, uniform shirts and 8th grade and kindergarten shirts, etc are linked from the attachments at the end of this newsletter. They are all due May 22. They will remain on the website.

REMEMBER, you may pay tuition (those who pay in one or two payments), uniforms, supplies, lunch, etc. by credit card – Visa or Master. But, you must present yourself with the card during regular office hours.

FORMS FOR OUR SUMMER CAMP ARE ON THE WEBSITE. PLEASE DOWNLOAD, COMPLETE AND SEND IN WITH THE INITIAL FEES.

SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP dates: June 9th – August 1st 7:30AM-5:45PM. Go to the website. Camp will be limited to the first 60 students who register. The school year does not begin until August 18th, so you might want to plan vacations or find other available camps in those 3 weeks. Since public schools do not begin until after we start school, there should be plenty of camps out there.

MEDICATION REMINDER – PARENTS:
Any medication (prescription/nonprescription) that is in the office – needs to be picked up by an adult (medication cannot be given to the student) by June 6. Any medication not claimed will be disposed of. This includes inhalers, etc.
Regarding health information and immunizations: Your doctor is well aware of what the child needs before entering a certain grade level. Please make sure ALL health records, physicals and immunizations are up to date before the first day of school. Students may not enter school without a proper documentation.

HONEYWELL INSTANT ALERT
For those families who are remaining at Holy Family Catholic School, we ask that before school begins, you update your profile and make sure all information is correct. There is a Honeywell icon on the website. For those who will be leaving us, we will have your profile removed before we begin to send alerts in the summer. We know that some families have never done a profile and you have not been receiving the instant alerts. I can not emphasize enough that it is important that this be done. You miss out on important information and if an emergency comes up, you will not receive the alert. I urge you to take care of this. If you have trouble doing it, Mrs. D in the office will be glad to assist you.

SUCCESSFUL 2008 AUCTION!!
The 22st ANNUAL AUCTION FUNDRAISER on MARCH 8, 2008 was a success. Everyone seemed to have a great time. The final count was a little over $82,000 (net)!! Great job by all who helped to make this night such a success.
I want to share something with you. I interview new families. This family was ‘on the fence’ as to whether they would send their two children to HF. What made them finally decide that this was the place for them was their attendance at the Auction and having such a great time and having the feeling of ‘community’. The other reason was their experience with their younger one in the Early Childhood. Is this telling us something??

CLASS GROUP PICTURES
We have a few extra class pictures. If you did not purchase one and still want one, send in $10 and one will be sent home to you. (ECC already offered theirs to the families so ECC is excluded from this offer)

UNIFORMS:
Risse Brothers, with a store in Clearwater and Tampa (right over the bridge) is our uniform company. Logo shirts, PE uniforms, sweatshirts, and jackets will still be purchased through the school. Only pants, skirts, shorts, and skorts purchased through the uniform company will be accepted. 2008-09 school year is a transition year, which means old uniforms may continue to be worn until you need to purchase new uniforms. BUT, we will not resell any uniforms that are of the old style or do not fit the regulation requirements. ‘Faded’ pants or ‘uniforms’ purchased at any other store will not be accepted. Some of the style shoes now being worn have not met the uniform criteria, and will not be accepted next year. We will finish off the school year with what the students are wearing, BUT I suggest that you review the shoe policy in the dress code. Uniform shoes do not include two tone, fancy athletic shoes, etc. This uniform company does have shoes for sale which are acceptable, including a black comfortable shoe. The order form has been placed on the website under ‘Forms’.

PARENTS, WOULD YOU LIKE SOME HELP?
Looking for a way to better your parenting skills? A way to teach your children to take responsibility?
Consider joining a summer Book Club that will explore Parenting with Love and Logic written by Foster Cline, M.D and Jim Fay, a simple, yet revolutionary approach to parenting. Currently in the planning stage, the four Thursdays of June 2008 are being considered. Determinations need to be made whether the Book Club would meet in the mornings or evenings and if child care would facilitate parents attending sessions. If interested, or if you want more information, please call Maureen Zientek at 727-459-9935.

FROM THE DESK OF THE GUIDANCE COUNSELOR
Kindergarten continues to learn about Peacemaking Skills for Little Kids and I-Care-Language. Grade 1 studied a video program titled We Can Work It Out. This program teaches more about how to resolve conflicts and avoid situations that may lead to conflict. Second Graders learned anger management skills as we discussed the video All About Anger.

Third Grade is learning to work together cooperatively using activities from a book called Belonging. This material has students interacting with partners or in small groups on several activities. These activities are fun and teach skills for working well with others. In 4th grade, students will study more about bullying through the program What We Learned About Bullying. Through the eyes of their peers the class will learn to recognize different kinds of bullies, understand why they bully, and learn positive strategies to stop bullying. Fifth grade will learn What to Do About Anger. Passive, aggressive, and assertive ways of managing anger will be discussed.

Grade 6 is viewing a video called Silent on the Sidelines. Students will learn that bullying doesn’t need to happen. They will see bullies gain power from the silent witnesses who view their peers being belittled and harmed yet do nothing. Strategies for changing the climate of the classroom will be studied. Grade 7 will be studying a program called Drugs, Your Friends and You: Handling Peer Pressure. This video and discussion program show how peer pressure works externally and internally, explains how we have the basic right to do what’s best for us, models techniques for assertive behavior, and models alternatives to using drugs and alcohol.

Grade 8 continues to study justice issues drawn from Speak up! Responding to Everyday Bigotry. We will discuss more about “the power of words” and how language laden with stereotypes can affect communication.

Many of the videos used in the Guidance Program throughout the various grades are purchased through Sunburst Visual Media. For years this company has produced excellent, award winning, age-appropriate guidance related products. All video programs involve viewing, discussion, role playing and some worksheets. Also we often use lessons from the Peace Education Foundation as well as material drawn from Teaching Tolerance programs. If you have any questions about what the students are learning, please contact Mrs. Schultz.

FROM SPCHS NURSE:
Children rarely enter the sun to just get a tan. They are just enjoying the warmth of the sunshine and all the outdoor activity that is the polar opposite to the school year. We, however, come from a generation of sun worshipers. We believed that a tan made us appear healthy and chic. Now we know that tanning is actually the skin’s attempt to limit the damaging effects of the sun’s rays. A tan results from repeated exposure to the sun which can result in sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Do we want this risk for our kids?

The best way to reduce your child’s risk of skin damage is to reduce their exposure to the harmful effects of the sun. This can be done by wearing protective clothing and hats as well as avoiding exposure to the mid-day sun (when the UV rays are the most intense). But a huge component to skin care and damage prevention is the consistent and proper use of sunscreen. Recently the FDA created a uniform testing and rating system along with compulsory labeling codes that will provide you with more information to select the best product for your needs.

Beginning May 2009, sunscreen products will be required to identify their effectiveness in both UVA protection and UVB (formerly SPF) protection. Protection from both UVA and UVB radiation is important because both of them will damage your skin.

The new UVA rating system uses 1 to 4 stars and a description (low for 1 star and highest for 4 stars) The UVB rating system will still be called “SPF” for “sunburn protection factor”. The higher the number assigned the more effective the protection. The highest number of SPF will increases from SPF 30 to SPF 50+. An example of the new labeling is below.

Of course, sunscreen is only effective if it is used properly. The most common mistake is not using enough. All sunscreen labels recommend “generous” or “liberal” amounts be applied to exposed skin before going into direct sunlight. The FDA recommends 1 ounce (the amount in a shot glass) of sunscreen be applied at least 15 minutes before going out into the sun. Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours, after heavy sweating, or after exiting the water.

Modern science has offered you and your children an excellent source of skin protection as you enjoy the Florida sunshine. It is important that you speak to your child about the dangers of cumulative and over exposure to the sun as well as modeling aggressive skin care through diligent use of sunscreen before going out in the sun. Spare them needless anxiety and potential surgery in the future because of poor skin care habits today.

Thank you to Nurse Bolich, for her informative monthly column.

PE NEWS:
Congratulations to Mr. Klemmer and the JV girls basketball team….champions of the league! Also, to Mr. Dillon and the varsity boys and to Mr. Dunn and the varsity girls; both teams were ‘runners up’ in the league. It was a great season for all teams including the JV boys and their coach, Mr. Metz. More congratulations…..Owen Melin, winner of the Largo May Day U-10 tennis tournament, Billy Kline for obtaining his green belt in tae kwon do, for Amanda Ho who placed 15th in the St. Anthony’s Meek and Mighty Triathalon and Shalla Gallanos who was right behind her , Michelle McNally and her soccer team who have made it to the finals of a state tournament and to Megan Harding for completing the Fit4AllKids program at All Children’s hospital, where they learn to make good eating choices and healthy ways to stay active and get in shape. Good luck to all the baseball and softball players and all others involved in any activity. Have a safe and healthy summer. ** The sports awards assembly will be held at 1:55 in room 121 on May 22**.

IMPORTANT ATHLETIC INFORMATION: all 5th graders and middle school students that plan on participating in sports need to have a physical. The form is on the website, along with the “consent and release” and all other sport forms. These all should be turned at the beginning of school except for the “permission slip” which will be used at the time a student makes a team.

SEEKING RECYCLED PAPER:
Is you company changing their stationery? Not using it anymore? We would be glad to take it off your hands!

FLORIDA KID CARE:
Through Florida KidCare, the state of Florida offers health insurance for children from birth through age 18, even if one or both parents are working. It includes four different parts, or programs. When you apply for the insurance, Florida KidCare will check which program your child may be eligible for based on age and family income. Watch for this in next Friday’s folder.

THINGS THAT HELP THE SCHOOL OUT at little or no cost (or just your normal purchases):

SCRIP PROGRAM:
Scrip forms were sent home in the Friday folder – we appreciate your support in thinking about purchasing ahead of time so you have the cards when you go to the store. We do keep a small supply in the office, so give a call if you need something. May order is due back MAY 12.

EASY FUNDRAISER: For GoodSearch (logo on the website) to succeed, it will take a major grassroots effort. Please spread the word to your friends and family.
We estimate that each search will raise $0.01 for our school (image and video searches are not included). This might not sound like a lot, but think of how many times you search the Internet. Just begin with Good Search at our website. The more people who use GoodSearch, the more money will be directed towards our school. The sky is the limit!
Here's an example of how much we could earn:
Charity or School Size Number of Supporters Average Searches Per Day Estimated Revenue/Year
Small 100 2 $730
Medium 1,000 2 $7,300
Large 10,000 2 $73,000

IN THE ATTACHMENTS, THERE IS A FLYER FOR YOU TO KEEP WITH ALL THE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO SUPPORT THE SCHOOL AT LITTLE OR NO COST TO YOU!

ABC SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES:
• Scan pictures and put onto a CD – can be done at home if you have the capabilities. Can be done during the summer.
• The person who has been doing the clipping and sending of Campbell’s Labels has moved. Right now we have a few bags of labels that need to be clipped. First one to call will be given the job.
• For next year – need coordinator for Campbell’s Labels
• Need someone to make, during the summer, large name cards for the cars to put in the cars for next year.

SUMMER CAMPS:
We have a few brochures in the office for camps:
Summer Art Camp
Our Lady of Good Counsel Camp
Summer Reading Skills Programs at USF
If interested, call the school office.

CHANGE/ADDITIONS TO CALENDAR:
We now have an events calendar that is updated when the need arises. You are asked to check the calendar regularly for any additions or deletions. The calendar is on both the public and private side of the Web site.

Service Hours:
You will be receiving (or already received) an e mail with the letter thanking you for completing your service hours or informing you that you need to pay the difference for not completing your hours. A minimum of four hours was to be done helping with the Auction.
If you helped with the Golf Tournament you may list your hours and you will get credit. There is a mulch party in the near future so if you need hours, I will allow them to count for this year.
EARLY CHILDHOOD FAMILIES, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO DO THE SAME SERVICE HOURS AS THE ‘BIG SCHOOL’. YOU ARE A PART OF HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL COMMUNITY.

MEMBERS TO THE HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION BOARD AND THE SCHOOL ADVISORY COMMISSION:
We are seeking a few new members to the Board and Commission. Please review the attached sheet, discern and humbly consider being a member of one of the important committees and share your talents for your children.
Nominations for Home and School Association Board and School Advisory Commission

WE ARE NOT SENDING ANY FORMS HOME; YOU MUST PRINT, FILL OUT AND RETURN ANY ORDERS TO THE SCHOOL

If you click on the attachments below, the information or form will pop up. If you know how to fill it in, you can do that, then print it and send it in. OR, print it, fill it out and send it in.

Attachment:
• Tuition for the 2008-09 School Year
• Form for PE bags
• Form for PE Uniforms
• Form for White Logo shirts
• Form for 6th, 7th, 8th grade PE shorts (optional)
• Form for Kindergarten Shirts
• Form for 2008-09 8th grade shirts
• Information and application for Summer Camp (Big School)
• Information and application for Summer Camp (Early Childhood Center)
• Information and application for Mrs. Womersley’s Summer Enrichment
• Information and Registration for Summer School – Mrs. Riess and Mrs. Bridge
• Vacation Bible School – “Power Lab” (June 23-27) information
• Classroom supply list for 2008-09
• Safe Environment workshops
• Nominations for Home and School Association Board and School Advisory Commission
• Remember to do and save these items over the summer (print and hang on the refrigerator as a reminder)

• Use the Events calendar to keep your calendar updated; we are already putting information on the calendar for next year. Take a look – more to come